Divorce Glossary: 70 Terms Explained in Plain English

Reviewed by Richard Perque, Family Law Attorney | Published July 25, 2026 | Last updated July 25, 2026

Divorce comes with a vocabulary nobody teaches you until you need it. Here are the terms you'll actually encounter in filings, court orders, and conversations with your attorney, defined the way a person would explain them, not the way a statute would.

This glossary is general information, not legal advice. Definitions summarize how these terms typically work; the details vary by state. For questions about your case, consult a licensed attorney, or talk to a coach about how to prepare for that conversation.